Directions: use this page to gather and organize the crucial information about the story. Use the right hand column to identify one aspect that seems vital to the story. You might determine what is most crucial by asking, “Which of these makes the biggest difference in the story?” Some sections might be empty when you finish.
Story title (and possible meanings)
Most important aspect (explain)
Characters (names, description, roles)
Most important aspect (explain)
Setting (where, when, atmosphere)
Most important aspect (explain)
Themes (Idea(s) central to the story, include examples)
Most important aspect (explain)
Plot (what happens)
Most important aspect (explain)
Point of view (tense, reliability, focus, narrator, in time)
Most important aspect (explain)
Style (use of language, imagery, symbolism, dialogue)
Most important aspect (explain)
Design (linear, episodic; use of special forms- e.g letter, journal)
Synthesis Notes Short Story - Synthesis Notes.doc